Indonesian Coffee Products Record Transaction Potential Of IDR 48 Billion In South Korea

JAKARTA - Coffee products from Indonesia recorded a potential transaction of US$3.25 million or around Rp.48.26 billion in the 23rd Seoul International Cafe Show in Seoul, South Korea on November 6-9, 2024.

Indonesia's participation in the exhibition is a collaboration between the Embassy of the Republic of Indonesia (KBRI) Seoul and the Indonesian Trade Promotion Center (ITPC) Busan.

Head of the Indonesian Trade Promotion Center (ITPC) Busan Husodo Kuncoro Yakti said agreements during the exhibition would be followed up intensively to ensure the realization of coffee exports to South Korea.

"Indonesia Coffee products have recorded a potential transaction of 3.25 million US dollars or Rp48.26 billion. The potential for these transactions will be followed up with more technical negotiations for the first shipment," Husodo said in a statement quoted by Antara in Jakarta, Sunday.

There are six Indonesian coffee exporters who participated in the exhibition. The products on display are Arabica and robusta coffee from Sumatra, Java, and Sulawesi.

Husodo said that the presence of coffee exporters from Indonesia will open up opportunities for export cooperation to South Korea.

Exporters can take advantage of business matching to obtain information on market preferences and connections to several distribution networks oferoastry in South Korea.

"This opportunity should be used to promote and explore business with importers, distributors, and motorists in South Korea," said Husodo.

ITPC Busan will continue to facilitate Indonesian coffee exporters through exhibitions, exploring businesses to encourage exports to South Korea. Thus, Indonesia's coffee exports are expected to increase amid increasingly fierce competitions from competing countries such as Vietnam, Brazil, Ethiopia, and Kenya.

Meanwhile, the Ad Interim Business Authority of the Indonesian Embassy in Seoul, Zelda Wulan Kartika, said that the Indonesian Pavilion was designed to be similar to a lounge called the Indonesia Coffee Lounge. This is a promotional strategy that highlights the coffee drinking experience.

Lounge as a gathering place is the right means to present Indonesian coffee. This concept provides special experiences for visitors who are present at the Indonesian Pavilion to taste Indonesian coffee.

"In Indonesia Coffee Lounge, prospective buyers can experience Indonesian hospitality firsthand and Indonesian coffee flavor presentations. Interactions with exhibition participants in a pleasant atmosphere can encourage further business cooperation," said Zelda.

Indonesian coffee in the South Korean market is quite well known among the coffee roasters. Some varieties that are well known are Arabica gayo and mandailing.

South Korea's market continues to grow with coffee consumption increasing by an average of 2.42 percent every year.

In addition, consumers tend to look for a unique coffee experience with different brewing methods, as well as interest in environmentally friendly aspects (eco-friendly), sustainability, and fairer trade.